What are the effects of professional teeth whitening services in Athens?

At Athens Oconee Dentistry, our professionals are here to help patients in and around Athens, GA achieve the smiles of their dreams! When it comes to the effects of staining foods and beverages, it may be difficult to feel confident with a dull, discolored smile. This is when Dr. Brent Nail and his team recommend the benefits of using professional teeth whitening.

Unlike over-the-counter whitening products such as toothpastes, strips, and trays, professional bleaching products are far more concentrated and effective. Dr. Brent Nail provides two methods of whitening in his practice, including:

In-office power bleaching– for many of our patients, a whiter smile is just an appointment away! With our in-office power bleaching, patients can brighten their smiles in as little as 90 minutes. The entire process starts with a consultation appointment to determine if patients are appropriate candidates for treatment. Once this has been decided, patients have a thorough cleaning performed before we apply a special bleaching gel onto the surfaces of the teeth. Then, a specialized light is shined into the mouth for a specific period to activate the ingredients in the gel to lift stains from deep within the tooth enamel. Once patients leave the practice that day, they can show off their dazzling smile immediately!

Take-home whitening trays– bleaching with whitening trays can be done in the privacy of one’s own home. If patients choose to use this method, they will enjoy the ability to whiten their teeth gradually over the course of several weeks. Additionally, they can use the trays and gel periodically to maintain the results. Patients come into our practice and have impressions completed to create their custom trays, and then are educated by our professionals on how to use the bleaching gel at home to achieve comparable results to in-office power bleaching. This method takes longer but is more economical for patients who are on a tight budget and have more time to achieve the results.

Which one is right for me?

Determining the whitening method that will be best for you will be decided by your budget and how quickly you want to see the effects. Patients who want to whiten in just one day and not mess with trays and gel at home are often the ones who choose the in-office power bleaching, while others want a more economical solution and gradual whitening. You can speak to a professional who can help you make a proper decision.

Are there any side effects to professional teeth whitening?

The only concern some patients have is increased sensitivity of the teeth. We use powerful products that are effective at whitening the smile without adding sensitivity. This is a common concern with over-the-counter products, but our services greatly reduce the chance of sensitivity. If patients do experience sensitivity, it is often short-lived and well tolerated.

What other solutions do I have if I am not a candidate?

Patients with restorations on their teeth such as crowns, bridges, or veneers may not be viable candidates for treatment. This is because restorations do not respond to the whitening products. When patients are not candidates for teeth whitening, they can speak to our team about alternative solutions. This may be the placement of veneers or composite resin bonding to cover areas of concern. During an initial consultation appointment, patients can ask about these treatment as another way of enhancing their smile if they are unable to move forward with our professional bleaching options.

Discuss professional whitening treatments and other services available to improve the appearance, function, and health of the smile. Dr. Brent Nail and his team can be reached at (706) 549-2440 to schedule a visit, and the office is conveniently located in 1285 Virgil Langford Road, Watkinsville, GA 30677. Take the first step in enhancing your smile with cosmetic dentistry solutions such as professional teeth bleaching!